President Obama on the Necessity of Science (video)

Obama spoke at the National Academy of Sciences on Apr. 27, 2009, in which he states his commitment to doubling of science funding and stem education. From his speech,

 "At such a difficult moment, there are those who say we cannot afford to invest in science, that support for research is somehow a luxury at moments defined by necessities.  I fundamentally disagree.  Science is more essential for our prosperity, our security, our health, our environment and our quality of life than it has ever been before."

You may also find a recent pertinent discussion in iMechanica interesting.

 A video of Obama speech follows.